Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe has revealed his predictions for the future of JK Rowling's series ahead of the release of the boy wizard's third film.

The actor, who reprises the title role in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, told reporters he anticipates a grim fate for the character.

"I'm going to be really unpopular for saying this," he said, "but I've always had the suspicion that Harry might die."

"Harry and Voldemort have the same core in them, and the only way he could die is if Harry dies as well."

Although JK Rowling has hinted in the past that she may kill off Harry in the seventh and final book, his fate remains a closely guarded secret.

Just to watch all those people probably helps me mature as an actor

Emma Watson on her adult co-stars

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban reunites Radcliffe with co-stars Rupert Grint and Emma Watson, who play Harry's friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger.

They are joined in the film by a host of newcomers, including Gary Oldman, Emma Thompson and David Thewlis, while Michael Gambon takes over from the late Richard Harris as Hogwarts headmaster Dumbledore.

The young cast admitted they were thrilled to be working with such a prestigious cast of grown-ups.

"It was overwhelming at times," says Watson. "But just to watch all those people probably helps me mature as an actor.

The third Potter film is released in the UK on Monday

"And I love Emma Thompson - she's fantastic, and I was so pleased to be working with her."

As Azkaban prepares to hit cinemas, the trio are already working on the fourth film in the series, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

But they have yet to commit to filming the fifth book, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

"Every film takes a year to do and these are big projects," says Watson.

"I think it's hard for all three of us to look anywhere beyond that. Whatever happens in the future, I'm not sure yet."

Grint admits he "would like to keep on playing Ron" and describes his time on the films as "a great experience" - while Radcliffe remains open about the future.